-KATHMANDU
Let’s explore more about NAC through our talk with Engineering Deputy Director of NAC Er. Poshak Gyanwali:
- Where is your home town located?
My hometown is Gulmi, Khadipot VDC from where I completed my S.L.C.
- Can you tell us about your journey in the aviation industry?
It all began after I applied for an engineering post in Nepal Airlines Corporation. Before, I had no any knowledge on aviation field, I had just dreamt to become an engineer. I completed my Bachelors of Electronic and Communication Engineering in 2006 from National College of Engineering. I spent a year as a teacher in the same college and then finally entered NAC in the year 2008. Currently, I am the engineering Deputy director for Nepal Airlines.
- What are your other achievements besides engineering?
Besides engineering, I had worked as a solar system resource personnel and also served as a president for Nepal Trade Union for the year 2014-2015. I have also completed my Masters of Business Administration from Apex College in the year 2013.
- Being an engineering director, have you faced any harsh circumstances in your tenure till now?
Not so much but yes I remember the fuel leak incident that took place while the engineers were working to change the booster pump of A320 aircraft. Almost 5 tons of fuel spewed on the floor that created a huge issue even CAAN inspected the incident. We had lots of experience on changing the booster pump but the incident happened unknowingly for which I had to bear all the responsibilities being an in charge.
- Can you update us about the current situation of NAC’s aircraft operation?
Two Airbus A320-200 are conducting their regular flights. Boeing 757 ‘9N-ACB’ is ongoing scheduled C-Check at ST Aerospace, Singapore and is expected to arrive in Nepal by 20th August. Another 757 ‘9N-ACA’ is under the process of being auctioned and the possibility to be auctioned is pretty high. Talking about MA-60, one is conducting its schedule flights where as another is grounded due to maintenance reason especially for A-Check however; it is expected to come into operation from end of August. Out of two Harbin Y-12e, one is under operation while the other is kept as a backup. Two of the Twin Otter are grounded for maintenance where as another one is conducting its regular flights.
- Any update on Twin Otter DHC6-300 ‘9N-ABX’ modification?
The modification works of ‘9N-ABX’ has not expedited due to some maintenance delays. The ‘9N-ABX’ requires new engines and landing gears to be replaced.
- What about the test flight of Harbin Y-12e on STOL airfield?
The test flight of Harbin Y-12e was allocated for the areas such as Lukla, Simikot, Mustang but the lack of Instructor Pilot did not succeed it. We expect to conduct test flight to these areas after monsoon as we have appointed a foreign Instructor Pilot. Two more Y-12e is expected to arrive after the test flight succeeds.
- Could you provide updates on A330 purchase?
Currently, the seat layout, equipment furnishing and internal aircraft furnishing is going on. The two A330-200 will be factory made to be received from Hi-Fly.
- As NAC is nearing to take the delivery of two A330 aircraft, what are the preparations for crew management?
At first, we are expecting to hire foreign crews and later the A320 crews will be shifted to A330. We have also dispatched four Boeing pilots to Airbus Training Center, Toulouse, France for A330 type training.
- What type of maintenance is NAC’s engineering team capable of performing at the Hangar at TIA?
At present, only A-Check is possible in the vicinity of NAC hangar and for other detail checks we dispatch our aircraft to ST Aerospace, Singapore. Our Boeing 757 ‘9N-ACB’ is now at ST Aerospace undergoing scheduled C-Checks. We have also stored spare parts for our aircraft and majority of storage incorporate Boeing 757 and Twin Otter spare parts whereas spare parts for Airbus aircraft are limited. Back at the past, NAC was capable of conducting C-Check of Boeing 727 aircraft but our facility is limited now.
- Can you point out security issues or safety hazard at the aerodrome of TIA?
Presence of monkeys, dogs, earthworms and birds at the vicinity of airport is certainly developing huge security issues. Monkey’s urine may enhance corrosion effect that could degrade the aircraft. Besides, the breakage of VHF, HF, radar antennas results due to the unruly behavior of the monkeys. At rainy seasons, earthworms are also a hazard as we can spot the runway covered with earthworms. Moreover, Foreign Object Debris (FOD) acts as a huge hazard inside the airport premises.
- What are the limitations of NAC engineering facility and its hangar?
The hangar of NAC is not proper and adequate for effective engineering tasks. Our maintenance practice and capability does not sound good. Moreover, we have problem of availability of spare parts for which we have to contact foreign companies when needed. The floor renovation of NAC hangar has been completed as a part of hangar enhancement project however; we need a lot more advanced hangar facility for our upcoming aircraft. So, our team is proposing a new hangar that will accommodate Airbus A320 and A330 aircraft.
- What are the limitations of NAC engineering facility and its hangar?
The hangar of NAC is not proper and adequate for effective engineering tasks. Our maintenance practice and capability does not sound good. Moreover, we have problem of availability of spare parts for which we have to contact foreign companies when needed. The floor renovation of NAC hangar has been completed as a part of hangar enhancement project however; we need a lot more advanced hangar facility for our upcoming aircraft. So, our team is proposing a new hangar that will accommodate Airbus A320 and A330 aircraft.
